Xarg blog Archive

Nothing but Troubling News From the World of Publishing by Verlyn Klinkenborg in the NY Times:

If there's such a thing as foolish cynicism, that is what the corporate overseers of the once-independent publishing houses are displaying. As long as their main task is satisfying shareholders instead of book buyers, the industry is going to keep digging its own grave, the way the music business has.

and this from Textism on Pinguin Book's hiring of Jan Tschichold:

If ever there was an object lesson for ye somewhat mighty producers of cultural commodities, it is right there in Allen Lane’s decision to find someone who genuinely and obsessively knew what he was doing (as opposed, say, to someone who talked flash crap) award him total authority, and then keep capable people close at hand to follow the lead, indefinitely.

Two days ago, the typesetting staff of Penguin Books Ltd, London, were informed of the company’s intention to make their positions redundant.

Ultimately the internet will increase the scope of what people read, watch, and listen to. The content industries quest for larger margins and more consistent profitability (in general by aggressively promoting particular artists or authors) runs counter to this and is likely ultimately to fail. At least I hope it does. This blossoming of opportunity for lesser known artists and writers might be bad for the shareholders but its good for the artists and its good for the public and is long overdue.